Kasaragod: In a tragic accident on Independence Day, a Catholic priest died of electric shock while lowering the National Flag at Mulleria village in Karadka grama panchayat Thursday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Fr Mathew Kudilil (30), vicar of Infant Jesus Church, Mulleria.

According to police, Fr Kudilil was lowering the National Flag at sunset as per the flag protocol when the iron flag pole tilted and came in contact with a live power cable. The priest instinctively grabbed the pole to straighten it and was electrocuted, said a police officer. 

Sebin Joseph, the assistant vicar, who was standing next to Fr Kudilil, was thrown away on the impact of the shock. He is in a hospital in Mangaluru and his condition is stable, said parish members.

Fr Kudilil was rushed to the Mulleria Cooperative Hospital but was declared dead. He took charge as the parish vicar in Kasaragod district one year and a half ago. Before that, he served as assistant vicar at Kudiyanmala, Nellikkampoyil and Chembathotti in Kannur district. He was also an MSW student at St Philomena College in Puthur, Karnataka. Mathew is the son of the late Babu and Annamma of Edoor in Iritty, Kannur. He is survived by his siblings Linto Augustine and Binto Augustine.

Police have conducted the inquest and the autopsy will be conducted on Friday, August 16, before handing over the body to the family.